OceAn science OceAn science OceAn science

Incorporation of education goals will add value to research efforts. Integrating oceanobserving
data and information product into K–12 classrooms will help realize the full
potential of the observing systems and provide real-world application to the learning
environment. Strategies for using these data need to be coordinated at a national level.
Aquaria, museums, marine laboratories, science centers, zoos, and other informal-education
centers welcome over 142 million visitors a year and play a major role in educating
the public about the ocean 34 . Media outlets, such as newscasts, television specials, moves,
magazines, and online portals, provide necessary information, such as hazard warnings,
and provide a window into the world of ocean-science exploration and discovery. Citizen
science initiatives can also serve to engage citizens with the ocean while promoting ocean
research and monitoring efforts. Expanding and supporting these forums for lifelong
learning will enable the transfer of understanding about the ocean from the research community
to the general public.
Advancements in formal and informal education must be accompanied by efforts to
address and capitalize on differences in culture, geography, language, and values to reach
a diverse audience. These efforts should include strategies to recruit and retain students
from all population segments.
Expand intellectual capacity
The diversity of technical and research requirements presented in this document illustrates
the need for a well-trained workforce, including individuals with disciplinary (e.g.,
biology, chemistry, geology, physics), interdisciplinary (e.g., biogeochemistry, aquatic, and
terrestrial sciences), and inter-community (e.g., connecting oceanography, biomedicine,
engineering, economics, information technology, public health, community planning)
training. This need is particularly evident as ocean science expands from having singlediscipline
foci to addressing topics that transcend natural sciences and incorporate social
and economic sciences. The workforce necessary to use the research results outlined in
this document must include individuals who are well versed in scientific discovery and
understanding, and who possess the means to effectively communicate research results
to inform management decisions and policy development. Developing this workforce
requires new models by which students are trained and evaluated that recognize the
value of interdisciplinary work. Individuals trained in research must also be educated in
policy, regulation, and resource management to better understand and address user needs,
where appropriate.
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